Chile Court Enforces DNS Blocking for Unauthorized Betting Sites
The Santiago Court of Appeals approves a DNS-based system to block online betting sites lacking proper authorization, enhancing enforcement flexibility.
Key Takeaways
- Chile’s Santiago Court of Appeals implements DNS blocking for unauthorized betting sites.
- The Supreme Court requires ISP compliance with blocking unauthorized gambling platforms.
- The DNS-based approach allows updates and amendments to minimize over-blocking.
Chile’s Santiago Court of Appeals has approved a mechanism to actively block unauthorized online betting and gambling sites through DNS-based intervention. This continuous enforcement allows new domains and mirror sites to be blocked without reopening initial court cases. A review process aims to minimize erroneous blocking of legitimate services.
Supreme Court Mandate and DNS Blocking
This decision stems from a pivotal Supreme Court ruling requiring internet service providers to block unauthorized betting platforms. The Court had previously tasked the Telecommunications Subsecretariat (Subtel) to outline how providers could comply. Polla Chilena de Beneficencia, Lotería de Concepción, or other stakeholders can submit domains believed to link to unauthorized gambling sites.
The Superintendency of Gaming Casinos (SCJ) will verify whether these domains fall within the court's scope. Upon confirmation, Subtel forwards these to providers, who must implement the block within a set timeframe and report compliance to the Court.
Flexible and Proportional Approach
The DNS blocking method was recommended by Subtel due to its focus on specific domains, offering a more targeted solution than broader measures which risk over-blocking. This ensures lawful content remains unaffected while addressing unauthorized activities.
Background of Legal Actions
The DNS process is rooted in a lawsuit by Lotería de Concepción against telecom firms including Claro, Entel, GTD Manquehue, Telefónica Chile, WOM, and VTR. The complaint argued these companies enabled access to illegal gambling services. In September 2025, the Supreme Court affirmed this claim and mandated providers to block the non-compliant sites.
Continuous Process and Revisions
The enforcement structure is adaptive, permitting updates as new domains or mirror sites surface from operators trying to evade restrictions. Corrections are also possible if blocks inadvertently affect legitimate parties. This was a critical enhancement to the original ruling, which struggled with operators bypassing blocks by changing web addresses.
This step represents a significant development in Chile's regulatory framework for online gambling, reinforcing oversight while addressing potential loopholes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the DNS blocking mechanism in Chile?
The primary purpose is to block online betting and gambling sites operating without authorization, ensuring compliance with legal standards by targeting unauthorized domains effectively.
Who validates the domains submitted for DNS blocking in Chile?
The Superintendency of Gaming Casinos (SCJ) is responsible for assessing submitted domains to ensure they align with the judicial ruling antes forwarding them to internet service providers.
How does the DNS blocking process remain flexible in Chile?
The process allows for the submission of new domains and mirror sites, with a mechanism for correcting any unintended blocks on legitimate services, ensuring the system adapts to changes.
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About the author
Eleanor Whitfield
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Eleanor Whitfield tracks gambling legislation, licensing decisions, and regulator enforcement across key markets — from the UKGC, MGA, and Germany's GGL to Spain's DGOJ and the state-by-state map in the Americas. The reporting answers three questions precisely: what changed, where, and who it affects, with jurisdictions, effective dates, and penalty figures named exactly as published. Compliance officers and operators read Eleanor Whitfield to know which rulebook moved before their next board meeting.
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